Hello darlings! It's Emma from the Pink Tutu and it's Wednesday, so that means it's time for another fabulous blog post from yours truly! Today I'm writing to you from the stunning city of Rome, Italy. Can you believe it? Me, a pink tutu-clad ballerina, in the Eternal City!
This week has been utterly magical. It's been full of ancient history, delicious pasta, and of course, plenty of opportunities for pink tutu twirls (much to the amusement of some confused Roman locals, but hey, that's just the magic of the pink tutu!).
Before we dive into the details, let me tell you how I got here. It all started with a little bit of magic – or maybe it was just good old fashioned hard work and a dash of luck. As you all know, I fund my travels with my ballet performances – there’s something incredibly rewarding about performing for people and having them be part of my travel adventures. Recently I had the privilege of dancing with a wonderful group in Derby, showcasing a fabulous mix of traditional and contemporary pieces. I was so thrilled with the performance; the energy in the theatre was incredible, and it gave me the perfect excuse to plan my trip to Rome! After a whirlwind of planning (including finding a fabulously pink outfit for the trip – more on that later!), I packed my pink tutu (obviously!), hopped on a train (I love the romantic, timeless charm of rail travel!), and embarked on this exciting journey to the heart of Italy.
And let me tell you, the journey was just as incredible as the destination. The train journey itself was breathtaking. I have a soft spot for train journeys; the changing landscapes, the clinking of glasses in the restaurant car, and the murmur of conversation around you all combine to make me feel truly connected to the world around me.
We made a brief pit-stop in Venice before finally reaching Rome, which was like stepping back in time. Venice with its canals and ornate buildings was magical but then as we entered Rome it was the majestic architecture that struck me. The buildings felt almost like characters, telling stories of emperors and gladiators and a long and fascinating history that’s simply mind-blowing to contemplate!
And speaking of stories, let’s talk about my favourite thing about Rome - the history. Imagine standing amidst the Colosseum, a breathtaking testament to the Romans’ grandeur and strength, then a short walk away, the Pantheon, with its stunning dome and breathtaking light filtering through the oculus, it's a real experience that leaves me humbled and wanting to know more! I was fascinated by the intricate mosaics and paintings hidden inside St Peter's Basilica and just the sheer scale of these buildings and ancient wonders just took my breath away.
Of course, my visit to Rome was not just about ancient history. I also had some delightful discoveries when it comes to fashion, shopping and Italian flair!
From the stunning fashion boutiques lining Via Condotti (I practically drooled at the sight of all those gorgeous handbags and designer dresses! ) to the charming little independent shops selling handcrafted jewellery and beautifully-made leather goods, it was a complete joy for my inner fashionista.
Speaking of fashion, I have a very important revelation! You know how I have been striving to get everyone to wear a pink tutu at least once in their life? Well, on this trip, I met a beautiful young woman in the heart of Trastevere, a little district bursting with character in Rome. She saw me twirling (naturally) and her face just lit up. We talked about pink tutus and her love for ballet. She then did something incredible! She took me to her secret little store tucked away in a charming back alley. Inside, amongst rows of colourful scarves and exquisite hand-painted fabrics, she had the most stunning pink tutu ever. And I bought it. This is the kind of magic I crave on my travels! We chatted about dancing, fashion, and, of course, about how awesome pink tutus are!
I did not just shop. I also managed to squeeze in some Italian food! Rome was a total feast for my senses. The aromas of freshly baked bread, the tantalising scent of roasting espresso beans and the divine smell of basil and garlic in the restaurants just made me giddy with happiness! I savored the flavours of classic Roman pasta dishes (I could eat carbonara for breakfast, lunch and dinner!), creamy risotto, and rich tiramisu, my tummy has been a happy, very pink tutu-wearing girl.
But as much as I enjoy the shopping and the food, the thing that makes my trip truly memorable is connecting with people. The kindness of the locals, the enthusiasm of fellow travelers, and the incredible staff at my hotel, all have combined to make me feel right at home, even thousands of miles away from my Derbyshire home!
This week in Rome has been full of wonder and exploration. I feel like my Pink Tutu heart has grown just a little bit bigger from seeing so much beauty and inspiration and of course, spreading the pink tutu magic as I went.
Of course, I don't have to tell you this - but travel really is my greatest love. It opens my mind, broadens my horizons and allows me to connect with people and places in a way that nothing else can. And sharing these adventures with all of you - telling you all about the fascinating corners of the world and the delightful stories of my journey, well, that's simply the icing on the cake!
Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday for another amazing pink tutu journey and to see my new Roman pink tutu - which will be on the website shortly!
Sending you all my love from the Eternal City,
Emma
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